Prosecutors said on Monday that the Bronx grandmother accused of savagely stabbing her 7-year-old granddaughter in her Morrisania apartment was determined to be competent to stand trial.
Maritza Yauger, 65, is expected to stand trial on attempted murder and assault charges following the terrible incident on February 21 that left the child in serious condition at Lincoln Hospital.
Lawyers for Yauger have notified the Bronx Supreme Court that they want to continue pursuing a psychiatric defense, despite the fact that she was ordered to undergo a comprehensive psychiatric test upon her arrest.
Read more: Former Nypd Members Take Jobs in Florida
Residents of Yauger’s area were taken aback by her arrest, as she was well-liked and respected in the community and was known for doting on her granddaughter.
Maria Castillo, a hairdresser at the salon, said of Yauger after her arrest, “She cherished her granddaughter.”
I remember asking, “Why are you giving her everything?” when she brought the grandchild over. “I have two sons,” she proclaimed. Unfortunately, I do not have a daughter. Castillo declared his adoration for his grandchild. “I’m going to give everything to her.”
At 8 a.m., Yauger allegedly turned violently on her granddaughter, stabbing her multiple times in the neck, stomach, and back before fleeing the scene.
